Avery, usually so composed and confident, found herself second-guessing their choices. She could see the same doubt reflected in her mates faces. They exchanged nervous glances, each wondering if they should voice their concerns or if doing so would only make the situation feel more dire. The forest was no longer the magical place they had entered with such high spirits; it had transformed into a realm of endless uncertainty.

As the hours passed, the oppressive weight of the unknown ...